How To Keep Food & Other Perishables Fresh

Dry ice may be the best way to keep your frozen and refrigerated foods from spoiling in the event of a power outage. At a temperature of -109°F, dry ice can replace the cooling power of your refrigerator or freezer.

During a power outage, place dry ice on the top shelf of the freezer and the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. If you are evacuating an area, dry ice in a cooler will allow you to transport perishable food or medicines while traveling.

Take Safety Precautions When Working with Dry Ice during a Power Outage:

DO NOT store dry ice in an airtight container or in an ice chest with the latches locked. The gas pressure of the sublimating solid dry ice will become explosive. Even if the container does not rupture, the force on the lid or top may be enough to cause severe injury. Leave the lid unlatched.

Keep the cooler or container in an area with good ventilation. Carbon dioxide is heavier than air and will settle in the lowest areas of a room. The best place for storing a container with dry ice is a garage or a room with a ground-level door or window that can be left open.

Wrap dry ice in a towel or newspaper before placing on top of items to be kept frozen and below items to be kept cool.

Do not allow bottles or cans to come in direct contact with dry ice. They will freeze and may rupture as their contents expand. As dry ice sublimates, the gas will carbonate open beverages.

Dry ice is a solid with a temperature of -109° Fahrenheit. Contact with bare hands or skin may cause severe frostbite. Make sure to follow all dry ice safe handling precautions.